Governor signs state budget; veto session scheduled
The Vermont countryside along Route 12 near the Barnard-Woodstock line. (Gareth Henderson Photo)
A $7.3 billion state budget and a bill meant to expand broadband access in Vermont were among legislation signed into law by Gov. Phil Scott this week. A main feature of the $150 million broadband bill is new funding for Communications Union Districts, local municipally-approved entities which have facilitated more broadband connections in several regions.
The state budget puts a strong focus on the economy and the many aspects of recovering from the pandemic.
“This is a truly transformational budget that will allow us to recover from the pandemic and address some longstanding challenges, including our workforce shortage and economic inequity that exists from county to county,” Scott said in a statement. “With smart state investments and a very strategic approach for using federal funds, this budget puts us on a new path to a more prosperous and equitable future for all of Vermont.”
The budget funds small-business relief, community revitalization projects, technical education programs and centers, state colleges, worker relocation grants, among others. The spending plan also supports initiatives to provide permanent housing for the homeless, weatherize more homes, and increase access to emergency mental health interventions.
As previously announced, the budget is heavily supported by federal pandemic relief dollars. Those are funding $250 million for climate change mitigation, $225 for clean water initiatives, $250 million for a wide array of housing and $250 million for broadband and connectivity.
Looking forward, the Legislature's veto session is set for June 23 and 24, when lawmakers are expected to try to override the governor’s vetoes on multiple bills. Those include two that would allow noncitizen residents of Winooski and Montpelier to vote in local elections, and a bill that would bar police from publicly identifying individuals under age 19 arrested for certain crimes, according to media reports.
— Gareth Henderson
